African thunderstorm – Those of you who have ever spent any time in Africa know that there is nothing quite like the sound of an African thunderstorm. Sudden, dramatic, powerful, deafeningly loud, and gone before you know it. Crickets – The ‘soundtrack’ of the bushveld at night providing the background music for your BBQ or braai. The sound emitted by male crickets is commonly referred to as chirping.

Interestingly crickets chirp at different rates depending on their species and the temperature of their environment. Most species chirp at higher rates the higher the temperature is (approximately 62 chirps a minute at 13°C in one common species; each species has its own rate). What an interesting way to gauge the temperature if there is no thermometer at hand!

Spotted hyena – This is a personal favourite. The spotted hyena is also known as the laughing hyena because the famous chatter actually sounds like a human laughing hysterically. Hyenas have very distinctive vocalizations, with over 11 different sounds recorded. This “laugh” is used during times of nervous excitement or submission to a dominant hyena. The “whoop” is a call that can be heard from far away and is used to find cubs, claim territory, or bring the clan together. Groans and squeals are used to greet each other. Other sounds include grunting, growling, and yelling.

Listen to the sound of a 8. Fiery-necked night jar – These nocturnal birds drum out a distinctive and characteristic call described by birders as “good Lord deliver us”. The call is particularly audible through the full moon phase, less so on darker nights. Many of you will have encountered the Fiery-necked Nightjar on your evening game drives.